Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I get a Visa on arrival at an Indian airport?

Ans- NO, you need to obtain a visa to India before you board a flight to India.

  1. What is the time taken to obtain India Visa?

Ans– It takes anywhere between 3-7 business days to get a Indian Visa. In some cases, Consulate/Embassy officials may take additional time from a case to case basis; which is purely their discretion. This does not include the time taken for mail.

  1. Is there a faster(expedited) way to obtain a India Visa?

Ans– Yes, We do provide Rush service. Please do mention your urgency at the time of submission of your application to us.

  1. Do I need to appear in person to submit my Visa application to Embassy/Consulate of India?

Ans– No, You do not need to submit your application in person. Traversal Visa will submit your application on your behalf. In certain rare cases however, Consular officers from the embassy/consulate may ask you to appear for an interview.

  1. How many days I am allowed to stay in India in one trip?

Ans– You can stay in India for a maximum of 180 days in India in one trip.

  1. What is the validity period of my Visa?

Ans– Your visa is valid from the date of Issue as mentioned on the Visa sticker; and not from the date of entry into India.

  1. Do minor children(less than 18 years) need a Visa to go to India?

Ans– Every applicant, irrespective of age is required to obtain a Visa before    departure to India.

  1. I am not a US passport Holder, can I still apply for a India Visa in the US?

Ans– You can only apply for a India Visa from US if you a legal resident of US; US passport Holder, Green Card holder, Long term resident visa like L1. You are not allowed to apply for a India Visa in US if you visiting US on a short term visit(B1/B2).

  1. I also have a passport of another country, in addition to my US passport. Which passport I need to use to apply for my Indian Visa?

Ans– Citizens of United States who may still hold passports of countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Sudan, Iran and Nigeria are required to apply using their Origin country passports only.

  1. I have also heard about the recent scheme of e-visa on arrival at Indian Airports. Is it advisable to apply for a regular visa or e-visa to India.

Ans– Govt of India under a bi-lateral agreement with US is giving long term, multiple entry 10 year visit visa’s to US citizens; whereas the e-Visa is only valid for 30 days.  We recommend you obtain a 10 year visa considering long term benefits.

  1. Is there any problem in visiting Kashmir for sightseeing with my Indian Visa?

Ans– Kashmir is a part of a “Restricted Area” for foreign Visitors. You can to obtain a “Restricted Area Permit” in addition to your Indian Visa to visit Kashmir. Please mention this to us at the time of your visa application, and the “Restricted Area Permit” can be requested for an addition fee to the Embassy/Consulate of India in US.

  1. I have heard from some of my friends that they got a visa for a lesser duration than what they had applied for?

Ans– In most of the cases, visas are issued for the duration for what you have applied for . However, in certain cases the consular officials at their discretion may issue a visa for a shorter duration. This is however a exception rather than a rule.

  1. Is there a refund of visa fee if I decide to withdraw my application?

Ans– Visa Fee, if already paid to the Embassy/Consulate is not refundable. However, if you decide to withdraw your application before it is submitted to the Embassy/Consulate; you will get the refund of the full fees.  There is no refund if Embassy/Consulate has rejected your Visa application.

  1. What are the acceptable modes of payment acceptable by Traversal Visa?

Ans– At this point, you can make payment directly into our bank account through wire transfer, or you can pay by cash or money order. Personal checks and Company checks are not acceptable.  You can make one single(consolidated) payment if you are applying for more than one individual.

  1. Do I need a Travel Insurance while visiting India?

Ans– It is not mandatory to have Travel insurance while traveling to India. However, it is always advisable to obtain one to take care of any unforeseen medical expenses. Do mention your requirement at the time of your visa application. It doesn’t cost a fortune; but can definitely save a dent in your fortune.

  1. I had migrated to US from India many years ago and now have a US passport. Is there any additional documents that I need to provide to get a Visa to India.

Ans– Yes, for any applicant of Indian origin, there are some additional documentation required. Please read the “Indian Origin Applicants” tab carefully before starting your visa application.  You can always call or write to us if there is any clarifications needed regarding the requirements.